MSC Southeast Policies

Section 100 - Student Affairs

ENROLLMENT:

101 - Application and Admission Requirements

Students may be admitted to MSC Southeast if they are high school graduates or have a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). All students seeking to enroll at the College must submit approved application materials including: (1) an approved Minnesota State application form, (2) an approved Minnesota State application fee, and (3) documentation to validate college degrees, high school graduation or attainment of a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Some programs may require additional admission criteria and documentation. Those applicants who are unable to present traditional documentation of educational preparation must be individually evaluated on the basis of guidelines consistent with the college’s identity and mission. Some students may be admitted to MSC Southeast but denied admission to a particular program because of program requirements or limited class size. The lack of English skills is not a barrier to admission.

International students may be admitted to MSC Southeast if (1) they obtain a TOEFL score of 500 on the paper version, 173 on the computer-based version or 61 on the internet-based version of the test, (2) provide the college with documentation showing adequate financial resources to complete educational and living expenses without financial assistance from the college, (3) submit an approved F-1 or M-1 visa to the college’s admission department prior to registration for any course, and (4) purchase the college’s international student health insurance policy or provide proof of comparable health insurance.

Students on academic suspension from a college or university in the Minnesota State system shall not be admitted during the term of that suspension, unless the applicant is able to demonstrate potential for being successful in the particular program to which they apply by meeting with a MSC Southeast college admission advisor to develop a plan for academic success. Students who have been suspended or expelled for disciplinary reasons from any post-secondary institution may be denied admission to MSC Southeast. Students denied admission to MSC Southeast may appeal this decision through College Policy 111, Admission Denied: Appeal.

Approved: April 10, 1997Reviewed: December 28, 2010; October 23, 2013Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008; February 7, 2011

102 - Accuplacer Placement Testing

Prior to enrolling in MSC Southeast courses, students must document their level of competence in mathematics and reading. Currently the college uses the Accuplacer testing process to meet the policy on placement testing. The Accuplacer scores have a three year time limit for the reading comprehension portion and two year time limit for the Mathematics portion of the test. Students must request in writing that they be allowed an alternative option to taking the Accuplacer test, such as:

A. Transcripts from higher education institutions showing a grade of “D” or better in comparable college level courses in mathematics and English.

B. Transcripts from a higher education institution documenting an A.A.S., degree or higher.

Approved: June 17, 1997Reviewed: October 23, 2013 Revised: February 15, 2000; February 13, 2003; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008; December 28, 2010; February 7, 2011

103 - Immunization Requirements

Minnesota law (MS 135A.14) requires all students enrolled in more than one on-campus credit-based course in a term and born after December 31, 1956, to provide evidence of immunization for measles, rubella, mumps, diphtheria and tetanus. Students who graduated from a Minnesota high school in 1997 or later and transfer students from another Minnesota State College and University are exempt. Some majors may have additional requirements.

Approved: July 6, 1993 Reviewed: December 28, 2010; October 23, 2013Revised: April 15, 1997; February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; October 8, 2008; February 7, 2011

104 - Returning Students

A student returning to MSC Southeast after a lapse of attendance of one semester or more (summer excluded) is classified as a returning student and must complete a new application to the college. This application must be submitted at least one week prior to registration. Returning students do not need to pay the college's $20 application fee. Returning students must comply with the program major completion requirements and college policies in effect when returning to the college.

Approved: March 26, 1997 Reviewed: December 28, 2010; October 23, 2013Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008; February 7, 2011; March 13, 2012

APPEALS, COMPLAINTS, GRIEVANCES

111 - Admission Denied: Appeal

Prospective students who are denied admission to the College may submit an appeal, in writing, to the Vice-President of Student Affairs. The appeal will be reviewed and processed in accord with established criteria as described under Admission Denied: Appeal Procedures.

Approved: June 17, 1997Reviewed: December 28, 2010; February 7, 2011; October 23, 2013Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008

Students wishing to file a complaint or grievance involving another student, college employee, or college policy should first attempt to resolve the issue through a discussion with his/her instructor or advisor. If the issue cannot be resolved with the instructor or academic advisor, the student should contact a campus admission advisor. If the issue cannot be resolved with the campus admission advisor, the student should be advised that s/he may appeal to the Vice-President of Student Affairs in accordance with the Complaints and Grievances Procedures supporting this policy.

Employees having a problem or dispute are advised to refer to his/her specific bargaining unit agreement for guidance.

Approved: June 17, 1997Reviewed: December 28, 2010; October 23, 2013Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008; February 7, 2011

113 - Student Code of Conduct

The college offers each student the freedom to learn and the freedom to enjoy college life in an orderly and lawful manner. In return, the college expects every student to assume the obligation and responsibilities that accompany those freedoms. By enrollment at MSC Southeast, students assume the obligation and responsibility of conducting themselves in accordance with reasonable and lawful requirements. Violations of these responsibilities may result in sanctions that can include warning, probation, suspension or expulsion from the college.

Students have the right to establish their own personal lives and behavior so long as they do not violate college regulations or interfere with the rights of others or the educational process. The college has both the right and responsibility to protect members of its community from physical harm and property damage.

Students, by their associations with the college, will abide by college conduct policies. The code of student conduct does not replace nor does it reduce any requirements of civil or criminal law imposed upon citizens as members of the larger community. Therefore, students who violate civil or criminal law may be subject to both legal and college sanctions for the same conduct when the conduct occurs off campus but is related to the college community.

Students may be held accountable for violations of the behaviors committed off campus when the violations are committed while participating in a college sanctioned or sponsored activity; or the victim of the violations is a member of the college community; or the violation adversely impacts the educational, research, or service functions of the college. Students expelled for grievous offenses which threaten the physical and/or emotional health or safety of any person must meet with a college-determined psychiatrist or psychologist to have a behavioral assessment to determine if re-admission is possible.

Examples of violations and a description of investigation processes; hearings, sanctions/disciplinary actions and appeals are described under the Student Code of Conduct Procedures.

Approved: April 28, 2006 Reviewed: December 28, 2010; October 23, 2013Revised: September 29, 2008; February 7, 2011, October 23, 2013

GENERAL:

121 - Attire

MSC Southeast does not have a specific general dress code other than the requirements of particular programs having uniform, eyewear, footwear, and other protective dress requirements. The College relies upon the good judgment of each student in determining appropriate dress. The President or his/her Designee may bar dress that is determined to be extreme, distasteful, and/or disrespectful of others or that may disrupt the educational process. A decision to prohibit particular clothing items may be appealed by following the procedures outlined under College Policy 112 – Complaints and Grievances.

Technical education at MSC Southeast is conducted in accordance with employer standards of attendance and punctuality. In case of absence from class, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor in accordance with department or instructor policy.

Students in program majors with clock hour requirements necessary for graduation and/or licensure are able to purchase additional credit to make up lost instructional time incurred by their absence. Make-up time must be completed under the instructor’s supervision. Primary enforcement of the College attendance policy is the instructor’s responsibility. Excessive absences are referred to Student Affairs and Financial Aid offices.

Approved: March 12, 1997 Reviewed: October 23, 2013Revised: April 10, 1997; February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008; December 28, 2010; February 7, 2011

Whenever MSC Southeast collects private student data, the College will be in compliance with FERPA and MGDPA requirements. It will inform the student of:

the purpose and intended use of the information;

whether the individual may refuse, or is legally required, to provide the information;

any known consequences from giving or refusing to supply the data; and,

the identity of individuals who will have access to the information.

The College will provide students with access to their records upon written request as outlined in the Procedures accompanying this policy. The College will not disclose or release to a third party identifiable information from education records without prior written consent except as authorized by law and/or as described in the Access to Student Records Procedure.

Complaints regarding failure of the College to comply with the Family Educations Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and/or the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) may be submitted in writing as outlined in the Complaints Procedure.

Student Discipline Records

Records maintained by the college relating to student disciplinary proceedings and results are generally classified by federal and state law as “private” information and may not be released to third parties without the student’s prior, written consent or as permitted by law which specifically authorizes the disclosure. Information that a named student has been charged and is the subject of disciplinary proceedings is also considered “private” information.

However, the 2008 Minnesota Legislature amended the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) to allow colleges and universities to disclose without student consent specific information pertaining to disciplinary proceedings on crimes of violence and nonforcible sex offenses as permitted and defined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This information can be released only after the college or university has made a final determination that a student has committed a crime of violence or nonforcible sex offense. No criminal charge or proceeding need have been initiated; the criminal laws are only relevant in defining the conduct. The information that may be made public is limited to:

Name of student

The violation committed; and

Any sanction imposed by the institution against the student.

Crime of violence includes the following offenses: arson; assault offenses; burglary; criminal homicide – negligent or non-negligent manslaughter, or murder; destruction, damage or vandalism of property; kidnapping or abduction; robbery; or forcible sex offenses. Nonforcible sex offense means statutory rape or incest. For further clarification of these offenses, consult the FERPA Regulations at 34 CFR Part 99, Appendix A.

Approved: June 7, 2004Reviewed: December 28, 2010; February 7, 2011; October 23, 2013Revised: October 8, 2008

125 - Veterans’ Responsibility: Training Credits

The College provides the necessary support services to veterans, National Guard members and reservists who seek veteran’s educational benefits. Persons requesting these educational benefits must meet with the College’s certifying official and submit a completed Certification of Eligibility. The Veterans' certifying official is located in the financial aid office on each campus.

The requirements attendant to Withdrawal Penalties, Benefit Reductions and Satisfactory Progress Requirements are outlined in the Procedures and Guidelines.

Approved: June 17, 1997Reviewed: December 28, 2010; February 7, 2011; October 23, 2013Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008; October 23, 2013

SERVICES:

131 - Clubs and Organizations

Students attending the College are encouraged to participate in a variety of clubs and organizations. Students must abide by the policies of the instructors, organization advisors and/or the college regarding attendance, funding and conduct at all College sponsored/affiliated events. Specific policies for each event or organization may be obtained from the instructor or organization advisor. A description of student events and organizations can be obtained through the Student Affairs office. All official
clubs need to be approved by student senate.All clubs follow the equal opportunity policies and procedures.

Approved: July 10, 1997Reviewed: December 28, 2010; October 23, 2013Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008; February 7, 2011; October 23, 2013

132 - Counseling and Career Assessment

The college offers services to students primarily in academic and career related areas/issues. Students who have a personal problem that interferes with their college performance should seek assistance by contacting student services. Personal counseling is referred to outside cooperating agencies. Students who do not voluntarily seek help may be requested to secure adequate medical service, rehabilitative counseling or other services as may be necessary. If a student and his/her family fail to seek help, and should the student’s performance problem persist, the college may take appropriate action in accordance with the requirements of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.

The college services offered in terms of career counseling, educational counseling, referral for personal counseling, support groups and student personal assistance programs are outlined on the college website: Current Students > Student Services > Student Support

Approved: July 10, 1997Reviewed: December 28, 2010; October 23, 2013Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008; February 7, 2011; October 23, 2013

133 - Placement Services

The College will provide students with job placement history and projected demands for careers in major programs or fields of study in conformance with Minnesota state law. Job postings can also be found on the college website: Current Students > Student Services > Career Services Job Postings

Students may contact the Career Services/Placement Office and review job postings. Information on college graduates will be collected, processed and reported based on guidelines set forth by Minnesota State.

Approved: April 10, 1997Reviewed: December 28, 2010; February 7, 2011; October 23, 2013Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; October 8, 2008; October 23, 2013

134 - Housing

The College does not provide student housing (dormitories). Each Campus of the College provides a listing of private rental units available in its community. The listing of available units can be obtained from the Student Services office. The College does not assume any liability arising from the relationship between landlord and tenant.

Approved: July 10, 1997Reviewed: December 28, 2010; February 7, 2011; October 23, 2013Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; September 29, 2008

135 - Affirmative Action

The College is committed to providing and promoting equal employment
and educational opportunities, and supporting a positive environment,
for all persons without regard to race, sex, color, creed, religion,
age, national origin, marital status, disability, status with regard to
public assistance, sexual orientation, or membership or activity in a
local commission as defined by law.

Approved: September 20, 1994Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; December 10, 2008; December 28, 2010; October 23, 2013

136 - Disabilities Act

The College is committed to and supports affirmative steps and
programs intended to remedy the historical under-representation of
persons of color, women, and persons with disabilities in the workforce.
Congress enacted the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. The
College strives to adhere with the requirements of the Act by:

Providing access to education for persons with disabilities as part of the mission of the College.

Assuring students and the public that compliance with the Act is a priority of the College.

Preparing, publishing, and distributing policy statements and
procedures to comply with the letter and spirit of the Americans with
Disabilities Act.

Taking prompt action to implement the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Providing a procedure for individuals to address issues of the Act’s
compliance or noncompliance that affects them. This procedure will be
with the student compliant procedure that is on file at each campus.

A complete policy and college self-evaluation plan is available at the College upon request.

Minnesota State College Southeast is committed to a policy
of nondiscrimination in employment and education opportunity. No person
shall be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of
employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in,
programs, services, and activities with regard to race, sex, color,
creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status,
status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or
membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law.

Harassment
of an individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, creed,
religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with
regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, or membership or
activity in a local commission has no place in a learning or work
environment and is prohibited. Harassment may occur in a variety of
relationships, including faculty and student, supervisor and employee,
student and student, staff and student, employee and employee, and other
relationships with persons having business at, or visiting the
educational or working environment.

This policy is directed at verbal and physical conduct that
constitutes discrimination /harassment under state and federal law and
is not directed at the content of speech. In cases in which verbal
statements and other forms of expression are involved, MSC Southeast will give due consideration to an
individual's constitutionally protected right to free speech and
academic freedom. The system office, colleges and universities shall
develop and implement a complaint process to review complaints of
discrimination/harassment or sexual violence.

Harassment,
discrimination and sexual violence have no place in a learning or work
environment. Further, MSC Southeast shall
work to eliminate violence in all its forms. Physical contact by
designated system, college, and university staff members may be
appropriate if necessary to avoid physical harm to persons or property.

Any individual who believes she or he has been, or is being,
subjected to harassment, discrimination or sexual violence is encouraged
to report the incident to the designated officer: Jonathan Eichten, Associate Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Services, 507-453-1420.

Administrators and supervisors shall refer allegations of conduct
that they reasonably believe may constitute discrimination or harassment
under Board Policy 1B.1 to the designated officer, or in consultation
with the designated officer may inquire into and resolve such matters.

Approved: June 17, 1997Reviewed: October 23, 2013Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; December 10, 2008; December 28, 2010

138 - Sexual Violence Policy

Purpose:

Minnesota State College Southeast is
committed to eliminating sexual violence in all forms, and will take
appropriate remedial action against any individual found responsible for acts
in violation of this policy. Acts of sexual violence may also constitute
violations of criminal or civil law, or other Board Policies, that may require
separate proceedings. Minnesota State College Southeast adopts Minnesota State Board Policy 1B.3, Sexual Violence Policy, and Minnesota State Board Procedure 1B.3.1 as
its policy and procedure.Sexual Violence ProceduresSexual Violence Resources

Sexual violence is an intolerable intrusion into the most personal
and private rights of an individual, and is prohibited at Minnesota
State Colleges and Universities. Minnesota State Colleges and
Universities is committed to eliminating sexual violence in all forms
and will take appropriate remedial action against any individual found
responsible for acts in violation of this policy. Acts of sexual
violence may also constitute violations of criminal or civil law, or
other Board Policies that may require separate proceedings. To further
its commitment against sexual violence, Minnesota State Colleges and
Universities provides reporting options, an investigative and
disciplinary process, and prevention training or other related services
as appropriate.

Subpart A. Application of policy to students, employees, and others.
This policy applies to all Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
students and employees and to others, as appropriate, where incidents of
sexual violence on system property have been reported. Reports of
sexual violence committed by a student at a location other than on
system property are covered by this policy pursuant to the factors
listed in Board Policy 3.6, Part 2. Reports of sexual violence committed
by a system employee at a location other than system property are
covered by this policy.

Reports of sexual violence committed on system property by
individuals who are not students or employees are subject to appropriate
actions by Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, including, but
not limited to, pursuing criminal or civil action against them.

Allegations of discrimination or harassment are governed by Board Policy 1B.1.

Subpart B. College and university policies.
Each Minnesota State Colleges and Universities college and university
shall adopt a clear, understandable written policy on sexual violence
that applies to its campus community, including, but not limited to, its
students and employees. The policy content and implementation shall be
consistent with the standards in this Policy and Procedure 1B.3.1.

Part 2. Definitions.

The following definitions apply to this Policy and Procedure 1B.3.1.

Subpart A. Sexual violence. Sexual violence
includes a continuum of conduct that includes sexual assault,
non-forcible sex acts, dating and relationship violence, stalking, as
well as aiding acts of sexual violence.

Subpart B. Sexual assault. "Sexual assault"
means an actual, attempted, or threatened sexual act with another
person without that a person's consent. Sexual assault is often a
criminal act that can be prosecuted under Minnesota law, as well as form
the basis for discipline under Minnesota State Colleges and
Universities student conduct codes and employee disciplinary standards.
Sexual assault includes but is not limited to:

Involvement without consent in any sexual act in which there is
force, expressed or implied, or use of duress or deception upon the
victim. Forced sexual intercourse is included in this definition, as are
the acts commonly referred to as "date rape" or "acquaintance rape."
This definition also includes the coercing, forcing, or attempting to
coerce or force sexual intercourse or a sexual act on another.

Involvement in any sexual act when the victim is unable to give consent.

Intentional and unwelcome touching, or coercing, forcing, or
attempting to coerce or force another to touch a person's intimate parts
(defined as primary genital area, groin, inner thigh, buttocks, or
breast).

Offensive sexual behavior that is directed at another such as indecent exposure or voyeurism.

Subpart C. Dating and relationship violence.
Dating and relationship violence includes physical harm or abuse, and
threats of physical harm or abuse, arising out of a personal intimate
relationship. This violence also may be called domestic abuse or
spousal/partner abuse and may be subject to criminal prosecution under
Minnesota state law.

Subpart D. Stalking.Stalking is conduct
directed at a specific person that is unwanted, unwelcome, or
unreciprocated and that would cause a reasonable person to fear for her
or his safety or the safety of others or to suffer substantial emotional
distress.

Subpart E. Consent. Consent is informed,
freely given and mutually understood. If coercion, intimidation,
threats, and/or physical force are used, there is no consent. If the
complainant is mentally or physically incapacitated or impaired so that
the complainant cannot understand the fact, nature, or extent of the
sexual situation, there is no consent; this includes conditions due to
alcohol or drug consumption, or being asleep or unconscious. Silence
does not necessarily constitute consent, and past consent of sexual
activities does not imply ongoing future consent. Whether the respondent
has taken advantage of a position of influence over the complainant may
be a factor in determining consent.

Subpart F. Non-forcible sex acts.
Non-forcible acts include unlawful sexual acts where consent is not
relevant, such as sexual contact with an individual under the statutory
age of consent, as defined by Minnesota law, or between persons who are
related to each other within degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by
law.

Subpart G. System property. "System
property" means the facilities and land owned, leased, or under the
primary control of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, its Board
of Trustees, system office, colleges and universities.

Subpart H. Employee. "Employee" means any
individual employed by Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, its
colleges and universities and system office, including student workers.

Subpart I. Student. The term "student" includes all persons who:

Are enrolled in one or more courses, either credit or non-credit, through a college or university;

Withdraw, transfer or graduate, after an alleged violation of the student conduct code;

Are not officially enrolled for a particular term but who have a continuing relationship with the college or university; or

Have been notified of their acceptance for admission or have
initiated the process of application for admission or financial aid; or

Are not college or university employees and are not enrolled in the
institution but live in a college or university residence hall.

Minnesota State College Southeast is an affirmative action/equal opportunity educator and employer. ADA accessible. MSC Southeast is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and education opportunity. No person shall be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in, programs, services, and activities with regard to race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, or sexual orientation. In addition, discrimination in employment base on membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law is prohibited.

Minnesota State College SoutheastA member of Minnesota State

Minnesota State College SoutheastA member of Minnesota State

This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 877-853-8324 or 507-453-2700.